Therapeutic Programme Guide

House of Heroes Therapeutic Community is based on the concepts and methods developed by George De Leon.  The Therapeutic Community provides the opportunity for residents to address many areas of their behaviour, thinking, and decision making in an environment that is designed to be safe and supportive.

Our Therapeutic Community programme is designed to run for 6 to 9 months. This may be extended if the resident chooses to remain for a longer period.

Weeks 1 to 5

During this time the new resident settles in and adapts to community lifestyle. They are gradually introduced to different aspects of the programme. They are also assigned a “buddy” to help them.

At the end of this first phase, the new resident will have a meeting with some of the staff and more senior residents from the Therapeutic Community in order to establish how suitable the programme is for them. Should it be decided that they do not continue, they will be assisted in finding suitable alternative accommodation.

Weeks 6 – 16

This second stage is intended to help the resident become more established on the programme and assist them in getting to know themselves and investigate how they relate to their peers and the wider world.  Residents in this stage will be given some responsibilities within the Therapeutic Community. They will also start setting some goals for the medium-term future.

Weeks 17 - 30

By this stage the resident will have a good understanding of the concepts and methods employed by the Therapeutic Community and should be able to demonstrate how they have changed their outlook in a positive way. They should be a good role model to peers, and be able to offer encouragement to newer residents. Residents at this stage usually take on more important roles. They will discuss in more depth their plans for their life when they complete the programme.

Weeks 31 – 52

During this final stage the resident may be asked to take on a more senior role in the Therapeutic Community. They will also start to put in place firm plans for the time they complete the programme, this may include training and study or work, as well as planning where they intend to live, and building a support network.  

Week 52 and onwards

Leading up to and after week 52 the resident will be helped to complete and act on the plans they have made for the end of their time in the Therapeutic Community.  At this stage some residents may choose to move into one of our supported houses, or may return to their original home, or arrange their own accommodation.  Some may have decided to remain for a period as a senior member of the Therapeutic Community. Those who remain in a House of Heroes property will benefit from continued support from us.  Those who move into their own accommodation will be encouraged to engage with their support network, and will be offered as much support during the transition as is practical by House of Heroes.